As spring turns into summer, ticks become more active and so does the risk of Lyme disease. Lyme Disease Awareness Month is the perfect time to take a closer look at how to protect your pets from this potentially serious illness. By being proactive, you can help your furry friend stay healthy and active all year long.
Here are four key steps to protecting your pet from Lyme disease:
1. Know the Risk
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi) transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. These ticks are most active in the spring and summer months, especially in grassy, wooded, or shaded areas.
- Dogs who spend time outside—even in backyards or parks—are at risk.
- Ticks can be active even in cooler months, especially in warmer climates.
- Lyme disease has been reported in all 50 states, so no pet is completely safe without protection.
2. Watch for Symptoms
Lyme disease can be tricky to detect in pets. Symptoms may not appear for weeks, or may come and go, making it harder to diagnose. Keep an eye out for:
- Limping that shifts from one leg to another
- Fever or lethargy
- Swollen joints
- Loss of appetite
- General discomfort or sensitivity to touch
If your pet is showing any of these signs, schedule a visit with your veterinarian right away.
3. Preventive Care is Key
Preventing tick bites is the most effective way to protect your pet from Lyme disease. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the problem:
- Tick Preventatives: Use monthly flea and tick medications as recommended by your vet. These come in oral, topical, and collar forms.
- Tick Checks: After outdoor activities, check your pet’s fur—especially around the ears, neck, and between the toes—for ticks.
- Vaccination: Talk to your vet about whether the Lyme disease vaccine is appropriate for your dog.
- Home Maintenance: Keep grass trimmed and remove brush or leaf litter to reduce tick habitats around your yard.
4. Regular Vet Visits
Annual wellness exams give your veterinarian a chance to:
- Screen for tick-borne illnesses
- Update your pet’s vaccinations
- Review and recommend preventive products
- Catch early signs of Lyme disease and other health issues
Protect Your Pet This Season
Lyme disease is preventable, and early action makes all the difference. At CityVet, we’re here to help you create a personalized prevention plan that fits your pet’s needs and lifestyle. Let’s work together to keep your pet healthy, happy, and tick-free this spring and beyond.
Schedule a visit with CityVet today and make Lyme disease prevention part of your pet’s wellness routine!